The fourth installment of my now-monthly column, this is the skinny on my favorite NYC restaurants that I dined at this February. Read on for all of the juicy details.

Seven Point Espresso – I originally sought out this little Aussie cafe while visiting the nearby Brooklyn Museum, but have come back to the neighborhood since just for the food here. The avo toast is lovely, the cappuccinos dusted with unsweetened cocoa, and the “waffin” aka blueberry muffin waffle is simply scrumptious.

L’Artusi – After many years of yearning, I finally made it to this small West Village pasta mecca. Sitting at the bar here is an absolute must, as is getting there early so that the wait isn’t painful. I recommend sharing as many of the pastas as humanely possible, and do not miss out on their legendary ricotta appetizer and mushrooms with a runny egg. The wine list is excellent here as well.

Lighthouse Outpost – I’ve reviewed the original Lighthouse in Williamsburg in a previous installment of restaurant round-ups, and have been eager to try the small offshoot in Nolita. This place is an absolute gem for lunch, and I could eat their Big Salad, complete with radishes, avo, toasted hazelnuts, and mustard vinaigrette, every single day for lunch. The coffee is also great, and I can’t wait to try their smoked fish bowl next time.

Sunday in Brooklyn – No name could better describe where and when I’d like to be eating my brunch. This new spot in Williamsburg is a difficult table to nab at the moment, but worth the wait simply for their kale and grain bowl, which was absolute heaven. I recommend posting up at the bar here (it’s first come, first serve) and enjoying your bowl with a coffee and a side of your current read.

Lalito – The newest avant-garde Mexican spot in town, this little Chinatown joint is not to be missed. Reinvented classics such as a squid ink black bean dip, chorizo-stuffed squid, and lovely carnitas for two (or three) were positively drool-worthy.

Allswell – Another great brunch spot in Williamsburg? What else is new. The small detail that makes this place so special for me is the fact that they have the Sunday Times on the bar when you get there for brunch on Sunday morning. Nothing could make me happier than reading the Times over coffee and huevos rancheros (their benedict with lox is lovely too).